Harmony Devotional | saturday
For Harmony Retreat this weekend, part of our focus is obedience to Christ because it is his command that we obey him, and because those commands align with his character. But why is it worthwhile to follow Jesus in this way? What is his character, or what has he done, that would make it reasonable for us to be willing to give up everything and follow him? The devotionals for today and tomorrow are designed to concentrate on passages that really describe who Jesus is, what he’s done, and his worthiness of being followed!
To that end, today we will meditate on Jesus’ immense power and holiness; and tomorrow, on his willingness to give up that status on our behalf. Find a quiet space and prayerfully read through the passage below, reflecting on the accompanying questions. If you want, feel free to write out answers to the questions, your own reflections about the passage, and/or prayers. Draw near to Jesus our Savior!
Read Colossians 1:15-20:
“He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”
What characteristic of Jesus stands out most to you in this passage? Why do you think that specific characteristic is what caught your eye?
Go through the passage again and note/underline all the places “he” or “him” is used, referring to Jesus. Some have called Colossians “the most Christological letter in the New Testament”—meaning that it teaches us the most about Jesus, and is most clearly focused on him, of any letter. What effect does it produce to have all these “he”s and “him”s piled up together? What is the big picture it paints of Christ?
Verse 16 says that everything was created “by,” “through,” and “for” Jesus. The world exists because of Jesus’ power, and it exists for the purpose of bringing glory to him!
This means that Jesus is in control of any hard circumstances we go through, to work them out for good (see Romans 8:28; Genesis 50:20).
It also means that the meaning of existence that everyone searches for is found in bringing glory to Jesus; especially through loving him with all we are (see Matthew 22:36-40).
Take a few minutes to pray to God in reflection on these truths!
After this, think and pray about this passage’s implications for your life, personally:
How have I seen Jesus’ power and faithfulness in my life this semester so far? –How has Jesus answered prayer, shown me his worthiness through his Word, etc.?
How should the fact that Jesus is completely in control affect my thoughts? My words? My emotions? My behaviors? (See Psalm 19:14, for example)
Is there anything that God’s Word tells me to do, but I have been actively prioritizing my own preferences? Nonetheless, if God is the Creator and is right, then his way is best. How does seeing Jesus’ power (as described in the Colossians passage) influence how much I can trust God and be obedient to him?